Hockeyville returns: Kraft makes call out for hockey nominations

Kraft Hockeyville is gearing up for another go-around to help enhance arenas and minor hockey in Canada, but this year they’ve upped the ante.

Last March Kraft gave away $100,000 to the top-five finishers as decided by a country-wide online vote, with the next 20 top vote-getters receiving $20,000 prizes for their local minor hockey association.

The Greater Trail community rallied around Trail’s Ken Koshey and propelled the long-time minor-hockey coach to finish in the top-20 of Kraft Hockeyville’s special promotion.

This year there is an even better opportunity for Canada’s communities to breathe new life into their local rinks through Kraft Hockeyville 2014.

The program is back and bigger than ever, awarding a total of $1 million in prizing to 16 different communities, including: one grand prize of $100,000 in arena upgrades and an NHL pre-season game played in the local community. A second-place prize of $100,000 in arena upgrades. Two prizes of $50,000 each in arena upgrades for third and fourth place, and 12 prizes of $25,000 each in arena upgrades.

“Local rinks are at the heart of Canadian communities but we may run the risk of losing many of these precious centres if they are not repaired or restored for future generations,” said Jack Hewitt, Vice President of Marketing Insight & Services, Kraft Canada. “Kraft Hockeyville engages Canadians to preserve the spirit and passion for hockey across the nation, and that passion starts at the home rink.”

More than just ice surfaces, a new survey commissioned by Kraft Canada indicates that 93 per cent of B.C. hockey parents agree the local rink is the social hub of their community, yet 71 per cent also report that these arenas are in need of repairs and upgrades.

Without necessary repairs and restoration, communities risk losing many of these facilities.

Canadian communities are invited to start preparing their submissions to vie for the title of Kraft Hockeyville 2014 with the nomination period opening Jan 1 and going until Feb. 9.